Whether you are a freshman and junior year seems lightyears away, or a sophomore trying to deicde if you want to spend a semester in China next fall, study abroad is everywhere at Hamilton. It’s impossible to ignore the allure of spending some time off the Hill to see how people in a different country live or to rock a domestic internship. We asked a few Hamilton students to weigh in on their experiences abroad and what makes their programs great. Check our their stories to get an idea of where you might like to go or learn about a new program!
Name: Lauren Howe
Program: School for International Training (SIT) – “Sustainability and Environmental Action”
Location: Byron Bay, Australia with excursions to Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania
I loved this program’s interdisciplinary, holistic, and experiential approach to learning – we got out of the classroom and into the field! There were 24 students from all over the U.S. with an interest and passion for sustainability, and we became a really close group that continues to support each other. This program was memorable for me not only because of the amazing friends I made, but also because we traveled a lot around Australia (e.g. witnessing the old growth logging controversy in Tasmania, studying urban sustainability in Sydney and Melbourne, and partaking in an Aboriginal camping trip near Byron Bay).
Name: Charlotte Hough

Program: Hamilton Academic Year in Spain

Location: Madrid, Spain
HCAYS has been great because it has given me an opportunity to surround myself with Spanish culture while still having my NESCAC peers nearby as a support group. In classes, at home with my host family and around Madrid I am constantly speaking Spanish, absorbing bits and pieces of Spain — its food, its politics. The Hamilton program really makes me feel supported; our friendly directors are always around at the Centro to answer any type of question. I have also been able to go on excursions with the program to the South and East of Spain, with five-star dining and accommodations! Did I mention that my classes at the HCAYS Centro all have no more than six people? I love it! I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is serious about improving their Spanish and who wants to explore a beautiful country.
Name: Susannah Parkin
Program: SIT Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development
Program: Hamilton College Junior Year in France
City: 
Ze City of Light (Paris)

Being abroad for a year is really long time and I miss the Hill like crazy, but with a place like Paris, there’s no other way to do it. Two semesters has given me the chance to get to know Paris really well and still travel around Europe. Also if you’re going abroad to learn a language, I’d highly recommend doing the full year; I’ve been here for six months and I’m still learning French!
Name: Hallie Brown
Program: New England Center for Children
Location: Southborough, MA
I spent a semester of my junior year as a full-time intern at the New England Center for Children, a school for children with autism in Southborough, MA. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in clinical psychology or education; interns are provided with the same training as teachers and gain hands-on experience with behavior modification techniques. NECC provides interns with housing nearby, and not only was it great to come home from work and discuss challenges and highlights of the day with fellow Hamilton students, but these girls are now some of my best friends.
Name: Sarah Mehrotra

Program: CIEE

Location: Prague, Czech Republic

I have been in Prague for about a month now, and it has been an amazing experience. There are a few different programs of American students, but not an overwhelming number as in some other European countries. Prague is a beautiful and modern city yet also full of history – they did not start letting foreigners into the Czech Republic (former Czechoslovakia) until fairly recently, so it has been an interesting experience living in a country that is not so familiar with Americans. I highly recommend coming to Prague, as it is truly Europe’s number one up and coming city and (I am convinced) the most beautiful!
Name: Abby Pynchon
Program:Â Jan with Hamilton
Location: London, England
London was the most amazing city to study abroad in — the museums are unbelievable (and mostly free!), the nightclubs are so much fun, and the traveling opportunities are endless. The underground system is flawless, which makes the city so easy to navigate, which was a huge plus! It makes seeing everything you want to possible. Must-sees if you go: Fortnum and Mason for High Tea, Gordon’s Wine Bar, and The Saatchi Gallery.
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